Emperor Akihito will become the first Japanese emperor to abdicate the throne in more than 200 years. His son, Crown Prince Naruhito will succeed the throne on 1st May 2019. In 2016, the Emperor feared that his age was making it difficult for him to fulfill his duties. This prompted the government to discuss his

Emperor Akihito will become the first Japanese emperor to abdicate the throne in more than 200 years. His son, Crown Prince Naruhito will succeed the throne on 1st May 2019.

In 2016, the Emperor feared that his age was making it difficult for him to fulfill his duties. This prompted the government to discuss his abdication.

image credits@Hello Magazine

Emperor of Japan

The oldest continuing monarchical house in the world is the Imperial House of Japan. The Emperor of Japan is the head of the Imperial Family. He is also the head of state of Japan. In Japan, the emperor is called Tennō (天皇). The word Tennō literally means “heavenly sovereign’.

Emperor Akihito succeeded his father Hirohito in the year 7th January 1989. He inherited the legacy of a monarchy that was mired with controversy.

Akihito broke the century-old tradition by marrying a commoner. His reign was designated as Heisei, or “achieving peace”.

Crown Prince Naruhito

Naruhito, the Crown Prince of Japan is the eldest son of Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko.

When he was 23, he started 3 years at the University of Oxford. He enjoys jogging, hiking, and mountaineering during his spare time. The prince took part in various activities while he was in England.

Naruhito will become the 126th emperor of the world’s oldest monarchy when he succeeds his father on May 1. Naruhito’s role as the head of the Chrysanthemum Throne will be purely symbolic.

The ceremony

On 1st April 2019, the Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga revealed “Reiwa” as the new Era Name. A 10 days holiday celebrating the succession in Japan began on Saturday.

The enthronement ceremony will take place on 22 October 2019. This will mark the end of the transition period and will be an extra holiday.